USC Thursday landed a commitment from WR Derwin Burgess (5-11 177) of Riverdale, GA. He’s the Gamecocks seventh commitment since June 1st and gives them 13 commitments in the class. The Gamecocks have 16 scholarships counted for in the 2021 class due to three carry-overs from last year. And Burgess gives USC four commitments who could be wide receivers in the program.
“Their consistency in recruiting me,” Burgess said as a primary reason he chose the Gamecocks. “It was clear cut but I didn’t make it seem like that. I’ve known for a little while.”
Burgess said the message he got from Will Muschamp, former receivers coach Bryan McClendon and current receivers coach Joe Cox was clear.
“They told me how I was needed, not just wanted, and how I’m going to have an impact when I come in,” Burgess said. “I’ll be the best receiver and athlete there. They want to use me in jet sweeps, attacking the seams, working the slot.”
Burgess narrowed his decision to USC, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida State and Coastal Carolina. He gives Cox a lot of credit for keeping up the strong recruiting interest in him after McClendon left.
“Since Coach McClendon left, me and coach Cox have gotten really close,” Burgess said. “He’s funny and he’s more familiar with the playbook. He has me watching film a lot. They are like I’m the next Deebo (Samuel), that’s what they tell me. They say they need me. I’ve really gotten close with Coach Cox and Coach (Mike) Bobo. Coach Cox was more familiar with the play-calling from Coach Bobo, more familiar than Coach McClendon because he actually played in that system.”
Burgess visited USC with his mother in January and had planned a return trip for March 28th but the virus put an end to those plans. But he saw enough on that first visit to know enough about the Gamecocks.
“I talked with Coach Muschamp, the offensive coordinator and the strength coach,” Burgess said. “They told me I was needed there, I was wanted there really. They said they can see me play anywhere. That’s the good good thing about me. They can see me anywhere.”
According to MaxPreps, last season Burgess had 28 catches for 463 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s rated a 3-star prospect and the #98 recruit in Georgia for 2021 by the 247Sports Composite.
